Okaloosa-Walton
Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
“Collaborating for a cause.”
Okaloosa-Walton Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
July 9, 2008
Present: Patty Swenson-Abraham, Sandra Bean, Pat Blackmon, Beth Blankenship, Ginny Barr, Rebecca Bussman, Angelina Garafallo, Amy Haynes, Kristin Kline, Holly McCarroll, Charity Parker, Kaye Patralia, Nancy Pattock, Mary Jean Petersen, Sharon Rogers, Michelle Sperzel, Judge Stone, David Stout, Alicia Wardlow, Kristen Atkins, David Stout
1. Introductions:
2. Minutes were approved.
3. Rebecca Bussman announced the Steering Committee’s approval of the Day of DVCC in-service to be held on December 12th for the purpose of announcing the DVCC’s mission to community professionals and members of the public. Rebecca opened the floor for suggestions for recruitment strategies. Various suggestions were made. Judge Stone tasked each member of the council with providing a suggestion and contact during the next scheduled meeting.
4. Committee Reports:
Steering Committee – Voted to amend Bylaws to consolidate the DVCC’s purpose and vision statements into a single mission statement. The Treasurer’s Report indicated there is $360.90 in the DVCC account. Amy Haynes was elected Chair of the Prevention Committee whose next meeting will be held on July 17th at 2:00 at Shelter House. Patti Swenson-Abraham was elected Co-Chair of the Victim Advocacy Committee. The Victim Advocacy Committee meets on the first Monday of every month.
Criminal Justice Committee – Judge Stone reported the committee has not met since December 18th due to preoccupation with the recent flux in the court system. The committee continues to search for a co-chair. Judge Stone announced the likely possibility of a new Domestic Violence position being added in Okaloosa by October 1st. The new Victim Notification rules became effective on July 1 and the courts are working to implement the rules. The courts are also working to implement the new rules relating to DOMV offenders and their entitlement to bond upon their second offense.
Prevention Committee – No report. Meeting to be held July 17, 2008 at 2pm at the Shelter House.
Public Awareness Committee: Rebecca Bussman reported on plans to have Susan Kesegich as the keynote speaker at this year’s DVCC conference. Tickets for the conference are $30 for non-members and $25 for members. Bridgeway and Court Administration will be providing updated DVCC color brochures. Medical Awareness Day will be October 8th.
Victim Advocacy Committee – Michelle Espinoza reported about a new question and answer fact sheet the committee has drafted to accompany DOMV packets. The fact sheet will include the DVCC logo and will be distributed to DOMV petitioners.
Walton County Committee – Charity Parker reported the committee last met in May. The committee is currently working to merge the DOMV efforts with their efforts to assist the homeless. Recruitment continues to be low. The next meeting will be held on July 24th at 11:30.
5. Announcements
6. Presentation:
Rebecca Bussman presented the most current diagram of the DVCC map
7. Next Meetings:
9/17/08 in DeFuniak Springs, 11/5/08 in Shalimar
**all meetings will be held in their respective courthouses**